Wynne Systems

Background

Wynne Systems, a leading provider of rental management software, experienced a significant transformation following its acquisition by Volaris Group in 2012. This acquisition included InfoManager, Inc. and Wynne Systems EMEA, N.V., enhancing Volaris' market presence and capabilities. Under Volaris' leadership, Wynne Systems implemented strategic "tuck-ins" and "splits" that drove substantial revenue growth and expanded its market reach. Central to this success were the remarkable career advancements of key team members whose journeys reflect Volaris Group’s commitment to internal talent development and leadership empowerment.

Decision to Sell

Volaris Group recognized that the corporate carve-out of Wynne Systems from United Rentals was a strategic move that benefited both entities. John Bureau, President of Wynne Systems at the time of acquisition, explained that Wynne Systems, originally founded by Terry Wynne, had become somewhat of an outlier within United Rentals' portfolio. United Rentals had initially acquired Wynne Systems as a defensive strategy to secure its software needs amid its aggressive consolidation of equipment rental companies. However, over time, it became evident that the software business did not align with United Rentals' core operational focus. This misalignment, coupled with the geographic and cultural differences between the East Coast-based United Rentals and the California-based Wynne Systems, led to operational inefficiencies and a strategic divergence.

United Rentals, a multibillion-dollar business with a primary focus on equipment rental, found managing a software company like Wynne Systems to be outside its core competencies. Bureau mentioned that Wynne Systems, despite its valuable software solutions like RentalMan® and InfoManager®, was considered a "rounding error" in United Rentals' financials, underscoring its minimal impact on the overall business. The decision to sell Wynne Systems was also influenced by practical challenges, such as differing HR procedures and operational approaches, which added complexity to United Rentals' management processes.

Post Acquisition Success

The acquisition by Volaris Group in May 2012 allowed Wynne Systems to flourish under an organization with a strong focus on software solutions. According to Bureau, the divestiture was advantageous for United Rentals, which could then streamline its operations without the distraction of managing a software company, while Wynne Systems gained a parent company that understood and valued its market potential. Volaris Group's commitment to nurturing niche software businesses enabled Wynne Systems to expand its market presence, leveraging its robust RentalMan® ERP solution and the InfoManager® business intelligence tool.

Post-acquisition, Wynne Systems saw significant growth. Bureau noted that under Volaris' guidance, the company introduced innovative solutions and expanded its market share. The leadership transition, with Bureau moving from President to a portfolio management role, and the subsequent promotion of Tran Ly to General Manager, further exemplified the positive changes and growth opportunities facilitated by the acquisition. This transition marked a new era of growth and specialization for Wynne Systems, aligning with Volaris Group's vision of fostering vertical market software companies and enabling Wynne to reach new heights in the rental management software industry.

Summary of Tuck-ins and Splits at Wynne Systems

Wynne Systems, under the guidance of Volaris Group, underwent a series of strategic acquisitions (tuck-ins) and organizational splits to enhance its market presence and operational efficiency. Here’s a detailed summary of these pivotal changes:

2015: Split and Acquisition of RentalResult

In 2015, Wynne Systems embarked on a significant organizational change by splitting into two distinct entities: Wynne Systems and InTempo. This strategic move was aimed at fostering specialized growth and creating focused operational units. Concurrently, Wynne Systems acquired RentalResult, a robust addition that complemented its existing portfolio and expanded its capabilities in rental management software.

2017: Acquisition of DSI and Leadership Transition

Continuing its expansion, Wynne Systems acquired DSI in 2017. This acquisition further strengthened Wynne’s product offerings and market reach. Alongside this acquisition, there was a notable leadership transition. John Bureau, who played a crucial role in Wynne’s growth, moved to a portfolio management role, and Tran Ly, formerly the COO, was promoted to General Manager of Wynne Systems. This transition marked a new chapter in Wynne’s operational leadership.

2019: Acquisition of Baseplan

In 2019, Wynne Systems expanded its portfolio by acquiring Baseplan. Unlike previous acquisitions, Baseplan was stood up as a separate business under the Wynne umbrella. This acquisition was strategically designed to diversify Wynne’s market presence and enhance its software solutions for the equipment rental and fleet management industries.

Tuck-in of Curbstone into InTempo

In the same period, Wynne Systems also integrated Curbstone into InTempo. This tuck-in was aimed at consolidating complementary technologies and streamlining product offerings within the InTempo division, thereby enhancing the overall value proposition for customers.

Impact of Strategic Moves

These strategic tuck-ins and splits were pivotal in propelling Wynne Systems from a modest revenue business to a significantly larger entity. Since the acquisition, Wynne Systems has experienced remarkable growth, with current revenues approximately seven times higher than before the strategic moves were implemented. Additionally, these acquisitions allowed Wynne Systems to integrate new technologies, expand its customer base, and refine its product offerings, while the splits ensured a focused approach to market needs and operational efficiencies.

These carefully executed strategies by Volaris Group not only enhanced Wynne Systems’ market position but also demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted acquisitions and organizational restructuring in driving growth and innovation within the software industry.

Career Journeys at Wynne Systems: Volaris Group's Commitment to Talent Development

While Wynne Systems has been operating under Volaris Group, it stands as a beacon of opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The organization's ethos of recognizing talent, nurturing leadership capabilities, and promoting from within has been exemplified through the remarkable career journeys of key team members. Just a few are mentioned below:

Tran Ly:

Prior to the acquisition by Volaris Group, Tran Ly served as the COO of Wynne Systems. Her exceptional operational acumen and leadership skills were quickly recognized within the larger Volaris organization. After the acquisition, Tran was promoted to General Manager, succeeding John Bureau. Her capabilities and dedication led to her further promotion as a Group Leader within Volaris Group. Tran’s journey underscores Volaris Group’s commitment to providing continuous growth opportunities for its leaders, fostering an environment where talent can thrive.

Sebastian Lopes:

Sebastian Lopes's journey mirrors the international opportunities facilitated by Volaris Group. Hailing from Paris, Lopes transitioned to Wynne Systems as the COO under Tran Ly's leadership. Subsequently, Lopes's talents were recognized, leading to his appointment as the General Manager of BiblioCommons at Volaris Group. Today, Lopes stands as a Group Leader, a testament to our global outlook and its ability to foster talent across borders.

Claire McCormick:

Claire McCormick's career trajectory embodies the ethos of internal growth and development prevalent within Wynne Systems. Initially serving as a Project Manager within the Results Group, McCormick's journey culminated in her appointment as the General Manager of Wynne. McCormick's ascent highlights Volaris Group's commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent, irrespective of organizational hierarchies.

Matt Hopp:

Matt Hopp's career journey underscores the transformative opportunities available within Wynne Systems. Transitioning from the role of Director of Customer Care at Wynne to that of General Manager of UBS, Hopp's trajectory exemplifies Volaris Group's commitment to providing avenues for professional growth and development. Hopp's journey is a testament to the organization's ability to recognize and harness talent to drive organizational success.

Shaaz Hussain:

Shaaz Hussain’s journey from a staff accountant at Cultura to the Director of Finance at Wynne Systems epitomizes the transformative opportunities facilitated by Volaris Group. Recognized as a standout talent during the integration process, Hussain’s exceptional performance led to his promotion. Today, he serves as a Portfolio Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Volaris Group, highlighting the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for career advancement.

These career journeys serve as examples of Volaris Group's dedication to talent development and internal growth. By fostering a culture of recognition, empowerment, and opportunity, Wynne Systems continues to thrive as a hub of talent and innovation within the Volaris Group ecosystem.